Travis Simpkins

The Aviator (2004): Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio and Howard Hughes

Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Aviator (2004) gives a sweeping look at the life of filmmaker and aviator, Howard Hughes, from his playboy days in the 1920's to his unraveling with obsessive-compulsive disorder in the 1940's. Full of bravado and true to the look of the period, Scorsese shot the film in a style that emulated the color schemes of early cinema. The art direction team did an amazing job recreating the era, and won the Academy Award for their work. The cast is great, including Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, Cate Blanchett as Katharine Hepburn, Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner, Jude Law as Errol Flynn, Gwen Stefani as Jean Harlow, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Willem Dafoe and Ian Holm. Father and son musicians, Loudon Wainwright III and Rufus Wainwright, appear separately as lounge singers.

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Leonardo DiCaprio

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Leonardo DiCaprio

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwen Stefani

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Cate Blanchett

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Leonardo DiCaprio

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Kate Beckinsale

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Leonardo DiCaprio

Bend of the River (1952): James Stewart and Julia Adams

Directed by Anthony Mann, Bend of the River (1952) was his second Western collaboration with actor James Stewart. The story concerns a tough cowboy who escorts a confiscated shipment of supplies to settlers in need in 19th Century Oregon. The scenery and cinematography are breathtaking. James Stewart is great in the lead role. Julie Adams (billed as Julia) is beautiful in her role, her lovely visage on fine display. The rest of the cast is good as well, including Rock Hudson and Arthur Kennedy.

Bend of the River. 1952: Julia Adams and James Stewart

Bend of the River. 1952: James Stewart

Bend of the River. 1952: Julia Adams

Bend of the River. 1952: James Stewart

Bend of the River. 1952: Julia Adams and James Stewart

Bend of the River. 1952

Bend of the River. 1952: Julia Adams

Bend of the River. 1952: Julia Adams and Rock Hudson

Bend of the River. 1952: James Stewart

"Bend of the River"- movie trailer

The Philadelphia Story (1940): Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart

Directed by George Cukor, based on the play by Philip Barry, The Philadelphia Story (1940) remains an undisputed Classic. Sparking with witty dialogue, the story concerns a socialite whose wedding plans are jeopardized by her ex-husband and two tabloid reporters. Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn are excellent in the lead roles. James Stewart won a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his performance. The rest of the cast is great as well, including Ruth Hussey, John Howard and Roland Young.